In a changing political climate, Christians are finding their attention and energy divided among a number of issues. Recognizing these tensions, the Manhattan Declaration called for Christians to refocus on core issues, one of which was abortion. Simultaneously, Newsweek reported on a study conducted this year by the National Association for Repeal of Abortion Laws that suggests that the number of young Americans who believe abortion is a “very important” issue is waning, especially among those who feel strongly on the pro-choice side.
As both pro-choice and pro-life sides confront apathetic constituencies, the debate has seen a groundswell of activity on state level this year. For example, the state governments of Tennessee and Arizona, reacting to the health care bill, have adopted restrictions on abortion coverage in any state-run health insurance exchange.
Attempts to set specific limits on abortion have been successful in Nebraska. Last month, Gov. Dave Heineman passed a law banning most abortions past 20 weeks of pregnancy. The law is based on testimony provided to the Nebraska legislature that a child in the womb can feel pain by 18 to 20 weeks old. At the same time, the state passed a law requiring women to undergo a health screening prior to any abortion.
State politicians have approached the issue of “informed consent” from various angles. USA Today reports that 22 states are considering bills to increase counseling or waiting periods and 18 states bills to expand the use of ultrasound. Missouri is in the process of adding a 24 hour waiting period and a “consultation” to current abortion laws.
Oklahoma law, after overriding a governor veto, now requires that women listen to a description of an ultrasound before choosing an abortion. The Maryland Senate, however, defeated a bill containing similar provisions, and another bill mandating ultrasounds in Florida currently awaits Governor Charlie Crist’s decision whether to sign or veto.
In Kansas, a state where abortion has been hotly contested on both sides, the pro-life lobby and state politicians have fought with renewed vigor to close the gap left by George Tiller in abortion business within the state. A recent bill introduced in the state House was designed to increase monitoring of abortion care by mandating a “written report” to the secretary of health citing reasons for every lawfully terminated pregnancy, and allowed for a civil action suit in cases of violation. The bill passed both the Senate and the House but was vetoed by Gov. Mark Parkinson, with a motion to override the veto passing the House but not the Senate.
The result of fighting at the state level is what Politico has described as “some of the most aggressive abortion legislation passed in recent years” and prompted Mary Spaulding Balch of the National Right to Life Committee to call 2010 “very successful” so far. Perhaps the best way to confront activism apathy right now is to focus on the state level.
